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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
American Poodle
Verdict: America (and Britain) deftly observed
American Poodle is two one-man shows, performed by Guy Masterson, both loosely linked by the idea of America.
In Snowball, Guy Masterson runs through the history of America, from its discovery to the establishment of the 'special relationship'. And 'runs' means 'runs'. He runs all over the place, while delivering his script at breakneck speed.
Guy Masterson's persona is a streetwise, slightly tabloid character, but insightful too. For a quick history of the USA, this is as good a place as any by way of introduction. Whether it's entirely accurate is another issue, but watching Guy Masterson interpret King George as a baboon (just to give one example) is very entertaining.
In the second piece, Splayfoot, an American businessman, hopelessly ill-informed (as someone might be equally hopelessly ill-informed about the USA) arrives in England for the first time for a business meeting. There's just a short pause before it to allow Guy Masterson to change and the pace takes up right where he left it. This piece is equally full-on, though Brian Parks's more wacky (but never bitter) script is even more enjoyable than Snowball. It has many very funny moments, but there isn't much time to savour them as the businessman rushes through his visit, seeing the sights and interpreting them in ways that just about make sense. It pokes fun at American and British attitudes in equal proportions.
In terms of performance, both pieces take the breath away in their sheer speed of delivery. No wonder this show only runs for four nights.
Cast Credits: Snowball: Guy Masterson. Splayfoot: Guy Masterson.
Company Credits: Snowball: Writer - Guy Masterson. Director - Peter McNally. Splayfoot: Writer - Brian Parks. Director - David Calvitto. Snowball & Splayfoot: Technical Operator - uncredited. Press - Sheridan Humphreys, Sheridan's Kitchen PR. Producer - uncredited. Company - Riverside Studios & Theatre Tours International.
END
(c) Michael Spring 2009
reviewed Wednesday 21 Jan 2009 / Riverside Studios, London
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012